Travel to Meet the Historical Assets and Rich Nature
Taketa Bamboo Lantern Festival20,000 bamboo lanterns light the castle town in this autumn festival held in early November
Bamboo Lanterns Light the Town
Travel to Travel to
Taketa CityTourism Guide
Taketa City, Oita
TAKE FREE
For tourist information and accommodation reservations, please call the Taketa City Tourism AssociationTEL 0974-63-0585 HP http://www.taketan.jp/
Published by Taketa City Commerce and Tourism Division
iHot Springs
History/Culture
Nature
The Best Springs in JapanHot Springs
History/CultureHistory/CultureHistory/CultureHistory/CultureHistory/CultureHistory/CultureHistory/CultureHistory/CultureHistory/CultureHistory/Culture Beautiful Traditional Townscape
Taketa City, Oita
NatureNature
Hot SpringsHot SpringsHot Springs
Taketa City, Oita
NatureNature
Hot SpringsHot SpringsHot Springs The Best Springs in Japan
Dynamic Grasslands
History/CultureHot SpringsNature
C O N T E N T S
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Taketa FlavorsSouvenirs from TaketaEvent InformationInformationAccess to Taketa City
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Taketa City, Oita is located in central Kyushu. It is surrounded by the green of Mt. Aso and the Kyuju Ranges. The area is rich in the nature of the four seasons. The region has been known as “Little Kyoto” as a center for regional politics, commerce and transportation. Visitors to the area can relax in the atmosphere of romantic historical assets, top hot springs, wide open prairies and the rich natural topography which grows rich food produce.
Bukeyashiki StreetThe formal samurai residence still remains from the Okahan feudal lord’ s castle town of the Edo Period (1603-1868)
JAPAN
TOKYO
OSAKA
OITA
TAKETA
TAKETA
In about 1550, Christianity flourished and even during the period of Christian repression, C h r i s t i a n s w o r s h i p e d secretively.
Christian Cave Chapel
This shr ine has att racted people from long ago to pray for good business.
Oukimoriinari Shrine (Koutou God)
Many artworks are displayed including Nanga ink paintings by the acclaimed Japanese artist, Chikuden Tanomura and Yukari Gyoto.
Taketa City History Archive Center
Noh has a history of over 600 years. I t is based i n Kyo to and flour ished in Taketa during the Edo Period. This tradition has been cont inued and each au tumn , t he Take ta Takigi Noh is performed.
Taketa Takigi NohThe L i o n Dance i s a traditional performance said to take away evil and b r i n g good l u c k . The Ajikano Lion Dance is a designated Prefectural Intangible Cultural Asset and fea tu res a he ro ic d a n c e a n d d r u m performance.
Ajikano Lion Dance
This is the childhood home ofcomposer Rentaro Taki, who brought western mus i c t o J apan . Mus i c he ha s composed and o t he r i t ems a r e displayed in the home.
Rentaro Taki Museum
Okyakuyashiki Reception Area (Sabo Okyakuya Tea House)During the Edo Period, this room was used as a guest reception area. Now, visitors can enjoy tea or a meal here.
Beautiful Traditional Townscape
In Taketa, visitors can enjoy history.
The castle remains of the impregnable
Oka castle and the scenery of the castle town
of the Oka clan of the Edo Period (1603-1868)
including the samurai residence,
are delightful historical remains.
Beautiful Traditional Townscape
History/Culture
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Oka Castle RuinsIt is said that in about 1185, the military commander, Koreyoshi ‘Saburo’ Ogata, ordered the castle to be const ructed to welcome the Genpei War hero , Yoshitsune Minamotono. It is also well known as the location for the performance of Taro Takiren’ s song Kojonotsuki. It is a lovely spot to see cherry blossoms and autumn leaves.
Traditional performing arts
Hideshige Nakagawa
Rentaro Taki
This warm and high-concentration carbonated hot spring is relaxing and the carbonation warms the body.
Soda Hot Spring
The story is that a crab was in love with a girl and the crab was hit by lightening which created this hot spring. There is an outside hot spring o n t h e r i v e r b a n k . ( M i x e d bathing/swimsuits permitted)
Ganiyu
Nagayu Hot SpringDuring the Edo Period (1603-1868), the feudal lord of the Oka clan enjoyed this hot spring. And more recently, many famous people have visited this hot spring area. The springs are high-concentrated carbonated and has a cultural exchange with Europe’ s representative health resort, Baden-Baden in Germany.
Gozenyu - Hot Spring Medical Treatment Culture HallThis hot spring used to be only used by the feudal lord during the Edo Period. Visitors can relax in a hot spring while listen to the stream of the Serikawa River.
The Best Springs in Japan
Taketa City is the home of Nagayu Hot Spring,
the best carbonated hot spring in Japan.
This is one of seven hot springs which makes
this area known nationally as the Area
of the Seven Springs.
You can forget about the hustle and bustle
and relax in a hot spring.
The Best Springs in Japan
06 07
Hot spring
Drinking the spring water
has become
popular as people say it i
s good for
the stomach and intestines
.
When taking a bath in the high-concentration carbonated spring water, the body becomes covered in silver colored foam.
Enjoy a hot spring in Taketa!
This hot spring is situated by the Tourist Information Center, three minutes walk from Bungotaketa Station. Family baths and free foot springs are also available.
Hanamizuki Taketa Hot Spring
Pour water on yourself to remove dirt and to accus tom yourse l f to the water temperature. Be sure not to get your towel wet in the bath.
Taketa is a beautiful location and the four seasons are so colorful . These are best seen from an outside hot spring. Enjoy the scenery from a hot spring!
Enjoy a family bath with your family or a group of friends. You can use family baths privately and are perfect for first-timers.
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① Pour water on yourself before getting in the bath! ③ Relax with your family!② Enjoy the view!
This grand park has 200 species of flowers. 2 million flowers bloom in the seasons.
Kuju Flower Park
Kuju’s nature can be experienced at this facility through their “See, Learn and Play” program. The fresh milk and soft served ice-creams are popular.
Guernsey Farm
This golf course is set in the mountains and plains of Kuju. The scenery in each season makes for an enjoyable round of golf.
Kuju Golf Club
The spring water comes from the Mt. Aso ranges. It is crystal clear and has been selected as one of the best 100 springs in Japan. Take a plastic bottle and fill it up and take it home.
Taketa Spring Group
On the boarder with Miyazaki Prefecture, the strange shapes of these mountain sides entertain visitors. During the different seasons, vegetation and colors change and the area is popular for hiking.
Mt. Sobo and Mt. Katamuki
Aso-Kuju National Park (Kuju Plateau)This plateau sits at the foot of the Kuju mountain range. The traditional grass-burning and grazing have protected the area. It is a treasure chest of vegetation. The area has become a popular resort.
Dynamic Grasslands
Kyushu roof is made up of Mt. Kuju ranges,
Mt. Soba, Mt. Aso and other mountains,
and the foot of the mountains spread out to
huge grasslands.
The mountains provide natural spring water
and the areas springs are well known.
Dynamic Grasslands
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Nature
You can even ride a horse!
SpringSpringSpringSpring
SummerSummerSummerAutumnAutumnAutumnAutumn
WinterWinterWinter
Bogatsuru and Tadenwara BogsAt the foot of the Kuju mountain ranges are bogs hosting a variety of biodiversity. They have been registered under the Ramsar Convention.
Olle is Korean for “narrow track home”. Visitors can enjoy trekking and bushwalking to experience nature and culture.
岡城阯
The Olle Ribbons Marks
Sokawa River Pillar Joint
Local Fish Cooking
Taketa Skewers with Miso
Local Sake and Shochu
Spotnape Ponyfish
Snapping Turtle
Unrefined Sake
Wine
Famous Water Tofu
Mikasano/Kojounotsuki
Fried Chicken
Kuji Plateau Beef
Haratomochi
Local Soft-serve ice-creamTaketa’ s nature
and deep history has made many delicious foods.
AlcoholicDrinks
Sweets
The Spotnape Ponyfish lives in freshwater and is a local delicacy. It is served fried, grilled and as sashimi. The fish is also farmed in Taketa and can be enjoyed all year round.
This steamed sweet of adzuki beans. It has been said that it was loved by the Oka clan’s feudal lord of the Edo Period.
This Japanese style sweet is said to have been on the menu of the Oka clan’s feudal lord of the Edo Period.
The huge grasslands of Kuju have grown the Japanese Black Beef. The balance of red meat fat make it perfect for steak or BBQ and the beef melts in your mouth.
Local soy beans are used and mixed with famous water to make this rich and mild tofu. Seasonal ingredients are prepared with the tofu to make delicious dishes.
Chicken thighs are fried and flavored with salt to make this simple and delicious dish.
In Japan and China, the snapping turtle has long been a luxury food. It is available at Nagayu Hot Spring. The collagen from the turtle and the hot spring will have your skin feeling smooth.
This rich ice-cream is made from milk from the local cows which graze on the plateaus. Interesting flavors including tomato and corn are also available.
Tofu, Konnyaku and freshwater fish are skewered, miso is spread on and they are cooked over coals. This local dish has been popular since the Edo Period.
“Soba” and “Katamugiyama” are sake and barley shochu made with water from the Mt. Aso ranges. The taste is deep and they are both made the same way it was made long ago.
Rice is fermented to make this unrefined sake the traditional way. It has a light sour taste.
Grapes cultivated at the foot of the Kuju mountain range are used to make this wine. The fragrance and taste is to be enjoyed.
Taketa is far from the sea and fish are completely used. This dish is boiled skin, innards and other parts. It is served with vinegar soy sauce.
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Himedaruma Good Luck OrnamentThese ornaments are said to bring good luck to families and ward off bad spirits.
Dried Shiitake MushroomsTaketa is famous nationally for shiitake mushroom production. Dried shiitake mushrooms are well suited for soups and boiled dishes.
Saffron Products (Including Bath Products, Soap, Cooking Seasonings)The blood promoting saffron is used in many beauty and cooking products.
Egg Shell DollsThese traditional dolls are made from egg shells and have been popular with girls for many years.
Oita Nagayu Bath BombsThe carbonation is said to work on blood promotion. Enjoy the Nagayu Hot Spring at home.
How about one of the many wonderful souvenirs to take home to your loved ones?
Kabosu Citrus JuiceThe locally grown Kabosu citrus is high in citric acid. This juice has a light flavor.
For visitors wanting to know about the downtown area, it is recommended that they use the Recorded Guide Pen. This is a pen shaped device which is used to touch panels on maps around town to hear information about those sites.
◎Rental Spot ・Taketa City Sightseeing Tourism Association
Recorded Guide Pen (fee required)
Oita’ s Taketa City and Kokonoe-machi Town ’ s s i gh t see ing spo t s a re introduced.
Mountain Navigation (Explanations available in English and Korean)
http://yamanaminavi.jp/
For visitors wanting to know about the downtown area, it is recommended that they use the Recorded Guide Pen. This is a pen shaped device which is used to touch panels on maps around town to hear information about
Taketa City Sightseeing Tourism Association
Oita’ s Taketa City and Kokonoe-machi Town ’ s s i gh t see ing spo t s a re introduced.
(Explanations available in English and Korean)
http://yamanaminavi.jp/
Electric assisted bicycles are avail-able for rent. It is a great chance to get up and close with the region. Why don’ t you take a ride in Taketa?◎Rental Spots〈Downtown Area〉 ・Taketa City Sightseeing Tourism Association ・Station Tourism Information Center〈Kuju Area〉 ・Kuju Plateau Information Center (inside the Hoshifuruyakata)〈Nagayu Area〉 ・Nagayu Hot Spring Tourist Information Center ・Naoriso Lodge
Rental Bicycles
Warriors walk the Oka castle grounds and castle town. You will feel like you have stepped back into the Edo Period.
Enjoy the beginning of the mountain-climbing summer season with this event. Many climbers come to the area during this period.
About 20,000 bamboo lanterns light up the castle town. The area becomes magical.
This Hina festival has taken place since the Edo Period. Hina dolls and handmade Hina dolls in bamboo are displayed during the festival.
Taketa Spring Water(Uncarbonated/Not treated with heat)This water contains many minerals and is smooth to drink.
Oka Castle Cherry Blossom Festival Kuju’ s Start of the Mountain-climbing Season
Taketa Bamboo Lantern Festival Oka Clan Castle Town Hina Festival
Apr.
※Nagayu area rentals are free
English Ver. Korean Ver.
4Jun.6
Nov.11
Feb.2
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Kumamoto IC
Kokura
Hakata
Kurume
Kumamoto
BeppuOita
Oita Airport
Kumamoto Airport (Aso-Kumamoto Airport)Shin-yatsushiro
Sendai
Central Kagoshima
Miyazaki
Tsukumi IC
Saiki ICKamae ICKitaura IC
Tosu JCT
JR Nippo LineJR Nippo LineKyushu ExpresswayKyushu Expressway
Oita ExpresswayOita Expressway
East Kyushu ExpresswayEast Kyushu Expressway
Nagasaki ExpresswayNagasaki Expressway
JR Hitahiko LineJR Hitahiko Line
JR Kyudai LineJR Kyudai Line
Kyushu ShinkansenKyushu Shinkansen
Beppu IC
Yufuin IC
Bungo-taketaStation
Bungo-taketaStation
Access to Taketa City
Kokura IC
Nagasaki-Tarami IC
Ebino JCT
Kumamoto IC
Fukuoka IC
Mt. Aso is one of the largest calderas in the world. The crater and grasslands of Mt. Aso are appealing to visitors.
Mt. AsoKurokawa is a famous hot spring area. Visitors can enjoy many different springs.
Kurokawa Hot SpringsBeppu has the most number of springs and the largest amount of spring water in Japan. Many different types of hot springs can be enjoyed here.
Beppu Hot SpringThis hot spring area is set in beautiful country side. The morning dew in this area is famous.
Yufuin Hot Springs Takachiho GorgeThis gorge has been designated a National Natural Monument. You can enjoy the scenery from a boat.
The view from the top of the mountain is known as one of the best in the country. The lights of the area are beautiful from this spot.
The night view from Mt. AtagoyamaThis bridge is the largest suspension foot bridge in Japan. It is 390m long and 173m high. The scenery is amazing from the bridge.
Kokonoe YUME Suspension BridgeThis waterfall has been included in the list of the best 100 waterfalls of Japan. It is called the Niagara of the Orient.
Harajiri Waterfall
■Sightseeing Spots in the Area
Tokyo(Haneda Airport)
Tokyo(Narita Airport)
Nagoya(Chubu International Airport)
Osaka(Itami Airport)
Airliner60min
JR Hohi Line80min
Bungo-TaketaStation
Bungo-TaketaStation
Bungo-Taketa Station(Infront of ‘Hanamizuki’Taketa Hot Spring)
OitaStation
OitaAirport
100min
120min
75min
60min
● By Airplane ※Kumamoto Airport is the closest airport
● By JR Trains ※By Express Trains
● By YOKARO Express Bus
● By Car
Tokyo(Haneda Airport)
Nagoya(Komaki Airport)
Nagoya(Chubu International Airport)
Osaka(Itami Airport)
ExpressBus(YAMABIKO)110min
Car120min
Car120min
竹田温泉花水月KumamotoAirport
(Aso-Kumamoto Airport)
105min
80min
85min
65min
Oita Station
Kumamoto Station
Hakata Station (Fukuoka)
Hakata (Fukuoka)
JR Hohi Line80min
140min 30min 20min
JR Hohi Line120min
JR Hohi Line80min
JR Nippo Line120min15min
70min
↓↑35min
30min
⇄50min
20min
40min
30min20min
20min
50min
40min
60min
TaketaCastle Town
Ogi15m
in
40min
NagayuHot Spring
NaoiriKujyuTableland
Kujyu
Taketa
Takachiho
Yufuin
minminBeppu
minmin Oita
Aso
Kurokawa
On Foot 2~3min
Taketa City, Oita
Osaka
Tokyo
JR Hohi LineJR Hohi LineOita IC
Oita Station
JR Hohi Line120min
JR Kagoshima Line80min Kumamoto Station
Kurokawa Hot Spring(Kumamoto)
Kujyu
Oita Kumamoto Miyazaki
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